Dry Eye in Dogs

Dry Eye, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is caused by inadequate tear production. Tears help keep the eye healthy and keep away eye infections. Dogs with inadequate tear production often suffer from irritated eyes. They are very prone to ulcers and infection from the lack of tear production. This condition is relatively common in dogs, especially Lhasa Apsos, Shih-Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Pekingese, Bulldogs, and West Highland White Terriers.

Causes

Many cases of Dry Eye do not have a known cause. The tear glands simply stop functioning, or it may be an inherited condition. Other causes may include infection or trauma to the eye or tear glands, drug use, removal of the third eyelid, other eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, nerve damage, an immune disorder, or the viral disease Distemper.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Dry Eye include recurrent eye infections and a thick, yellowish discharge. You may also observe excessive blinking, inflammation of the cornea, and chemosis (swelling of the inside of the eyelids and surface of the eye).

Diagnosis

A veterinarian tests for Dry Eye by using a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production. The veterinarian places a strip of absorbent material in the eye and leaves it there for about a minute. During this time, the tears collect on the strip. Then the veterinarian can measure the amount of tear production and decide if it is inadequate.

Treatment

There is no cure for Dry Eye, but the issue can be managed. Usually the cause of Dry Eye cannot be identified, so treatment involves getting the pet to make more tears and wetting the eye. Cyclosporine (Rx Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment) is used by both humans and dogs to treat Dry Eye, and it works by managing inflammation and increasing tear production. You can also wet the eye with an eye drop or ointment that replaces tears. Any tear replacement drop will work, including the ones for humans.

If left untreated, the pet will suffer from painful eye infections and may end up blind. Because there is no cure, you usually have to treat Dry Eye for the rest of a pet's life.

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The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of your personal veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

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